Mesoscale Discussion 0303
   NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
   0938 AM CDT Thu Apr 11 2019

   Areas affected...Portions of central/eastern SD...southeastern
   ND...and western/central MN

   Concerning...Heavy snow 

   Valid 111438Z - 112045Z

   SUMMARY...Heavy snow, with rates of 1 inch per hour, and
   strong/gusty winds will combine to create localized blizzard
   conditions through the afternoon.

   DISCUSSION...A band of moderate to heavy snow with rates around 1
   inch per hour is ongoing across parts of central/eastern SD into
   western MN in association with pronounced frontogenesis in the
   850-700 mb layer on the northern flank of a deep cyclone over NE/KS.
   Locally higher snowfall rates to around 2 inches per hour will be
   possible within strongest elements of the band. This deformation
   band is expected to shift northeastward into southeastern ND and
   parts of western/central MN through this afternoon in tandem with
   the progression of the mid/upper-level system. A strong surface
   pressure gradient exists across the northern Plains into the Upper
   Midwest, with a 989 mb low located near Omaha, NE at 1430Z.
   East-northeasterly surface winds gusting to 35-40 kt are decreasing
   visibilities to around 1/4 of a mile and creating localized blizzard
   conditions across parts of this region. A pocket of weak elevated
   instability (MUCAPE up to 500 J/kg) is present across this region,
   and scattered thunderstorms likely rooted above 700 mb should be
   capable of producing some sleet and perhaps even some small hail.

   ..Gleason.. 04/11/2019

   ...Please see www.spc.noaa.gov for graphic product...

   ATTN...WFO...DLH...MPX...FGF...FSD...ABR...BIS...

   LAT...LON   43709876 44029935 44709973 45389983 46229944 46669881
               46979817 47289703 47439548 47219423 46619356 45959351
               45329379 45119439 44919550 44619635 44259694 43899789
               43709876